What Is It About Short Scale Basses?

[@jamesxlennon]

I would watch a video comparing short scales to their long scale versions. Definitely.

[@brunocyclist]

Cool idea! 👍

[@bassnsax]

Agreed!

[@JrsLazyFace86]

Do it…Do it!

[@patrickphotographer7522]

Superb idea!

[@eloyreveronrizzo4800]

Excuse me, but I don't think basses are manufactured like that. Often, short scales are a spefic model with a history of its own or at least that's what I've seen so far. Surely, a notable exception to this is the Epiphone long scale version of the EB bass, which I've seen recently. I'm sure there must be one for the Gibson SG bass showcased here.

[@CiciVonStrangelove]

This was an interesting one to film and really got me thinking :) Once again great to jam with Lee!

[@grantkoeller8911]

We loved it!!! Great video!!!!!

[@CiciVonStrangelove]

@@grantkoeller8911 That makes me very happy to hear! Thank you :)

[@mattildahubbardo]

You are so so coolio

[@liozeon643]

Definitely want more short scale bass videos!

[@BrandonBames]

I like to see Cici and Lee already having good friendly chemistry on-screen, looks like they've gotten the jitters out and she's starting to feel like a part of the group. I think she's perfect for this channel and I'm excited to see where the bass content goes!

[@rome8180]

I love the sound of a short scale. You don't get as much sustain, but the notes are fuller. So you get these very short tubby notes that lend themselves to retro styles of music.

[@jimdep6542]

You don't get as much bottom either.

[@voornaam3191]

​​@@jimdep6542 Yes, size does matter. And a sweet bottom.

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

​​​@@voornaam3191you mean that murky Muddy ill-defined Bottom end you get out of a short e string yeah that sounds really great dude. In the old days you work with what you had and you made it sound musical everything's all geared to how easy it is and my app weighs too much cuz I'm a big pussy and I don't really care that my tone sucks worse than my music

[@barackmycat9448]

I`ve been playing over 50yrs. and recently got rid of long scale basses and changed back to short scale`s that I learned on. A little arthritis and just the ease of playing has me won. Try them recording. It`s easier to stop slide sounds. Great vid guys!

[@edwinstovall3334]

I noticed one thing you said about short scale basses being easier on arthritic hands. I think I have some personal experience with that. Last year I decided to buy my first bass guitar in about 40 years. I suspect that there were many reasons for it, but playing that bass got really painful. Rather than just give up, I found a used miKro bass by Ibanez. It has a 28.6 inch scale length, which is shorter than short. I didn't really know anything about short scale basses, but had a little experience with this particular model. I'm not crazy about the color or the style, but at least I can play it! And yes, it does sound different. Great for the low end, just not quite as good for slap and pop -- although maybe I just need to practice more!😎

[@robertfage5817]

I have a left hand small finger bends in arthritic condition age 73. I have a Gibson SG as Lee is using. I also have 4 other longer guitars and I moved away from the usual 6 strings to this Gibson. I am in a wheelchair and the short scale works well for that issue.

[@JimHawkins808]

I have the Sire U5 and it’s amazing quality! So glad to see CiCi on the channel, she (and Dave) are so positive. Love to watch you both!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I started playing guitar in the '60s but in the '70s I began playing bass. I chose the Mustang bass because Alan Lancaster from Status Quo played one, as did Bill Wyman. Now I am 64 and can't imagine playing anything else! :)

[@dorianclini]

YES we want a comparison of short scale vs long scale! Keep this duo up, we love 'em!!

[@cchavez248]

LOL! Cici's right, she makes these short-scale basses look as though they were full size basses! Great to see you both! Cheers!

[@MultiCugel]

I've got an Ibanez Gio Mikro bass and it's fantastic. I play guitar really and as usual thought of having a try at bass and the Ibanez had a good review. At £200 ish seemed worth a shot. Loved it, very bass sound, short scales are a bit of a hidden gem. For those who don't know Paul McCartney played his famous short scale bass in the Beatles. Jack Bruce ( Cream ) rated them too.

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I got one because after playing guitar for years (and I still do) I wanted to start learning bass. I had played a few standard basses and I own one but I used to struggle with the considerably larger frets and having to span the fretboard with stretches. So I got an Ibanez GIO Mikro (the one in natural finish). It turned out to be a sensible move and I am now very optimistic on acquiring abilities on bass.

[@theyearsshallrun6641]

First time watching your Bass channel. Really like the presenters - aware that C is pretty new to this but really rate her. She feels fresh and genuine.

[@frmcf]

I'm a smaller person and find 34" scale basses really uncomfortable generally. I know other small people play them, but I feel that I physically can't play everything that I want to on a long scale. However, I've also struggled to get the tone I want out of short scales. So, I got an Ibanez Mezzo (32") and it is just right. I love playing it and finally feel like a bass player. Moral of the story: play the instrument that works for you.

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I’m 70 years old, I started playing bass around 1966 while in jr high school. Short scales then mostly, expect for aP bass I sadly sold. Oh well. I currently have 8 basses, all short scale. I love them., my hands are getting arthritic so I can still play, my current stable is two Hofner Clubs, one 67 Gibson EB2C, a fender bass vi, a Gretsch baritone tuned E-E, a Johnson acoustic, a Squier Bronco, a Harley Benton semi hollow, plus a string bass.. not gigging but recording a bit and playing guitar in a bluegrass band.

[@TheStratpicker]

If I'm not mistaken, the bass on Stuck in the Middle with you (Stealers Wheel) was played on a Mustang - for those too young to know this song do check it out as it's a classic bass line.

[@WhatwouldRoddyPiperdo]

*me forgets there's now two generations that didn't grow up with the reservoir dogs soundtrack* 😂

[@WoWFenris]

I am today years old when I learned this wasn't the Beatles

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Let’s definitely see a short scale comparison!!! I had no idea site had short scale! I’ve played the mustang and absolutely loved it!!! So fun to play!!

[@voornaam3191]

Got a shop demo Fazley short scale bass. Cheap and new. And I painted it red and black, scorched the neck and burned the headstock. I left those stupid things called frets in place, one needs a bass with frets sometimes. In short, now it is my tiny bass. I like it being light, standing for some hours my Hondo p-base is really really heavy. Dudes, buy a comfortable strap, but yeah, heavy is heavy, a short scale makes carrying it A LOT easier. Try it. Would like to hear a comparison including this very very cheap Fazley. How much nicer are the more expensive ones? Sure I see other pickups. Sure the pots are cheap, but tadaah, I can buy and solder that in myself. Do you really get more bass, spending two or three times more, than my lousy 100 euro? I wonder. I think you need to spend say 800 or 1000, getting everything at a better quality level, from bridge to tuners. Or are the 500 coins basses okay enough?

[@jameslennon6593]

As a guitarist I bought a gretsch short scale bass and had it set up professionally, I love the sound and feel it's a great compromise if a full scale feels out your comfort zone

[@psuggitt]

I love, love, love my Sire U5. It feels great and sounds great and helped me establish my technique as a beginner, but it is still worth keeping and playing for the sound and build quality.

[@jameslewis2635]

When I first started playing bass the only short scale basses I had heard about were the Gibson EB0 and EB3 basses as played by Jack Bruce of Cream and Andy Fraser of Free. At the time I remember the opinions I got from guitar / bass magazines (yes, that long ago) is that short scale basses tended to have a lot of issues with intonation and tuning. I would imagine a lot of that came from older instruments on the second hand market being somewhat lower quality than we are used to today. Obviously Fender had some presence in the world of 'short scale' basses in the past, but at that time (mid - late 90's) they had long since stopped making these basses.

[@barackmycat9448]

I had an Eb-1 and Eb-2 back in the `70`s. They were popular too.

[@quisquillatv4329]

I've got a U5. Love it. Some times the Fender necks feel better, some times I preffer the short scale. It depends of the day, some days the traditional scale feels better, some others is the short scale. I almost don't feel any difficulty changing between them. One thing I love in the Sire is the neck is satin finished in the back but laqued in the fretboard, with lovely rounded borders. One thing I don't like is that is not much lighter than the big ones, so don't asume it is a lighter bedroom or practice bass.

[@steveeckert8396]

Thank you for this. I've started my daughter on bass, before she starts learning guitar. Right now her "bass" is my 335 with four strings to see if she is serious. Hopefully she will get her short scale bass at Christmas.

[@gcvrsa]

Whenever the subject of short-scale basses comes up, I feel compelled to state that despite a lot of people regarding a short-scale bass as a "beginner's" or "student" instrument, that isn't always the case. Many professional players have successfully used short-scale basses for their particular qualities, among them Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Stanley Clarke, and others. I would also like to point out that Warwick will also still make you a short-scale bass in their German-made line. I am the proud owner of a 2003 Warwick Custom Shop Corvette Proline short scale (30.75") fretless, that cost me about $1700 USD over 20 years ago (including the hard shell case and gig bag). I shudder to think how much I would have to pay to order one now! As Cici noted, a short scale bass can give you a different perspective, and that is exactly why I ordered my bespoke Warwick. It was intended to help me think beyond what I was playing on my long scale basses, and one of the ways I do that is by stringing my Warwick in fifths tuning, like a cello. The shorter scale makes it easier to span the much greater interval distance when tuning in fifths.

[@erajad]

The Joe Dart Jr would be another case in point for short-scales and pros. (You can find videos of it being used with Fearless Flyers.)

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Any videos of you playing such an octave-cello tuned bass?

[@robertpurdy4452]

Everyone likes the sound of my short-scale Schecter Banshee bass better than the other seven basses I own. I do too and it's super easy to play.

[@fergusuan7371]

Great to see you guys jamming!.. Also that super pretty Sire U5 really suits you Cici 😁🎸

[@gwynja3191]

You gotta Love CiCi's attitude. I wish I had a friend like her to hang out with! Not to mention Lee seems really cool too!

[@rabonour]

I've been playing bass a long time and picked up one of the Sterlings because I was having a lot of pain. I'm not a small guy but 30" is just so much more comfortable.

[@brunocyclist]

A shorter string requires less tension to produce the same note. This means the string will produce fewer/less pronounced overtones. Similar to how the same note played on the E-string will sound warmer and darker compared to when played on the A-string. And I love that about short scales. That and the improved ergonomics of course. I own two basses, both short scale, both very different one from the other but I absolutely love them both. By the way, I'm not particularly small (178cm) and have average sized hands. I have tried out 'regular' scale basses (P&J), short scale basses are just more accomodating to play.

[@charleswidmore5458]

so what are your fav short scales then if I may ask?

[@brunocyclist]

@@charleswidmore5458 the iconic Mustang is the obvious choice. But I truly love my Gretsch Junior Jet 2. I've strung it with La Bella flats and it sounds awesome. Feels great to play as well. I have a lovely walnut flat Ibanez Mikro too which is super ergonomical to play and has a warm, big sound but at the moment I've got serious GAS to replace it by a Harley Benton HB-60 or a fretless Sire U5. And if money was no object whatsoever: a boutique Paul Lairat Stega 4 -string short scale.

[@charleswidmore5458]

@@brunocyclist wow that seems like a minor addiction, kek. I like the jet. I think I am gonna keep my eyes open for a used one. thanks for the tip on the la bella flat stings too!

[@erollf1972]

Welcome Cici!!! Love your channel and great to have you here.

[@dennismullins4930]

CiCi is the little Queen of Thunder and such a great addition to the team ☮️

[@JedF2010]

Great little informative vid. I'm looking to learn bass, so the vid was good for me. Liked and subscribed.

[@brit1shboy]

Short-scale never felt or sounded "right" to me, but admittedly, I haven't tried very many. I started learning on a full scale bass as a teenager and I was already closing in on my full grown 6' size by that point, so it was probably the right choice for me.

[@Daniel1987H]

I'm a pianist and singer and also play a bit of guitar. And in the studio, when I want to record a baseline I grab my Ibanez micro, because for the few times a play base the short scale plays much easier to me. And soundwise - no one ever complained. Btw: I'm 183cm tall. ;)

[@robertfage5817]

I have 5 guitars, I lean towards Gibsons but can only afford 2 (Les Paul 1960) and the SG Bass short scale. I have 2 Epiphone's but have not seen an Epiphone bass like the SG. My other guitar is a Fender Parlour acoustic. But I have started to lean to the SG Bass short scale. Age 73, wheelchair bound, it works well with the limitations. Plus as mentioned about arthritis. I have a left hand small finger that bends in so the SG is great. I love the short scale. Liked the video and it showed the SG well.

[@CynaYoingco-yn3wh]

I have 2 short scale basses and 1 regular scale 34” bass. Love 💕 them all. I do find the long scale keeps in tune longer.

[@kleighfield]

Loved the video. I played a Epiphone SG bass which just has the single humbucker pickup which I find brilliant. I find it difficult in the mobility in my finger movements and the short scale bass helps with that.

[@grbguitar11]

So Awesome Thankyou. Just started learning Bass and this has opened a new world for me Thankyou.

[@CommanderMarsh]

Cici is quite literally the best.

[@DeRaafMedia]

I'm a guitarist so a short scale bass feels more at home to me. A shorty is the only bass I have laying around in my home studio, never missed a full scale.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I’m so enjoying these! Cici is bringing the light into Andertons and I’m so glad to see Lee on here more! I love his positive vibes and his playing is absolutely amazing!! His phrasing is perfect!!! Thanks Andertons!!!!

[@maxherron1376]

I am a new bass player and just got the Gretsch Electromatic. Love it! Please do a shoot out video.

[@davidturner7863]

Fabulous playing yet again. Thank you both.

[@victorfernandez6432]

With all of those short scale basses in the market today, I wonder how many new players would choose a long scale bass to start with, if they were given the chance to test both scales. I am pretty sure I would not have chosen a 34" scale bass when I started playing if a 30" scale lefthanded bass had been available.

[@chizorama]

I started off on a 36" scale, fretting fifths with my pinky, something that I have a hard time shaking due muscle memory. Recently got my first short scale, hard to break the habit, but so much easier to reach notes. I also find myseld overbending notes due to the slinkyness, just need more time to calibrate myself, it's slightly more than a subtle difference.

[@TheSprunkZero]

Well, one of the most well known and respected bass players is left handed AND plays a short scale bass, Paul McCartney Hofner "Beatle basses" and all of their replicas are short scale, and most of the are available for lefties

[@Whosayswho79]

I am sure Mr Stanley Clarke would agree

[@abk868s]

I would love to sing my praise of short scale basses. But before I do, I love your All About the Bass videos, Cici and Lee (and Nathan!). So, I have grown very fond of short scale basses, so much so that only play short scales! I currently own 4 of them (Fender Musicmaster, a custom short scale Marauder/Jaguar bass, a custom 6-string Goatrock Guitars bass (tuned BEADGC), and a heavily modded Ibanez TMB35 5-string with custom JML guitars neck. The thing I love about short scales is the comfortable spacing of a 30-30.5” scale. I get no hand fatigue with my short little fingers! I also love their mid-range punchlines that cuts right through the mix. With tapewounds or flatwounds, I can get a very similar tone to an upright bass, as well. They are easy to travel with due to their small footprint, especially my 6-string headless!!!! I am stuck on them, and it is all I’ll play for the rest of my life! Please let me know where I can send pics of my short scales! I love sharing them!!

[@chrisb48907]

great video...i have the tobacco burst Sire u5 its amazing ! another thing about short scales they give a little more juice to cut through the mix...just my thoughts ..cheers from Alberta, Canada! love the videos !

[@ZonkerRoberts]

I have a 1980 Vantage S600B which has an utterly peculiar scale length of 32 inches - half way between a long-scale and short-scale. But the thing sounds amazing!

[@destianpatrianagara1119]

11:07 Whoa that tone sounds REALLY good

[@convertkendo5224]

Converted to short scale about 6 years ago due to arthritis and spinal problems. They are usually a lot lighter and not so much of a stretch and feel more comfortable to play. Sound wise I can’t fault them just wish there was a few more fretless ones on the market instead of having to do a de fret.

[@BigMike422]

I have an aria pro ii 30” from the early 80’s that’s far and away the best bass I’ve ever played. It just sits where it’s supposed to in the mix

[@Simon_V_RDJ]

Please do a comparison between the short scale, normal and long scale necks. It'll be useful to a lot of folks. Also can you include acoustic basses as they tend to get ignored quite a bit!

[@ronlawrence5635]

Short scale, “normal”, and long scale? What do you mean?

[@voornaam3191]

​@@ronlawrence5635 Hey, there are some standards around. When I bought my first bass in a secondhand shop, I had no idea. It is a p-bass and it is called a long scale. Scale is the length between the nut and the bridge, and I think they measure the low string. You need longer arms for a larger instrument, but it also affects how it sounds. A slightly longer string can be tuned lower. Or you tune it to normal pitch, and the tension on the string will be a bit stronger. Well, these things you can hear. Long scale and normal scale do sound slightly different. You can think about it like this. Usually, a bass is tuned EADG. E lowest, G high string. But what you can do, is tune a long scale to DGCF, and a capo at the second fret will play EADG. Not many people DO this, but if you are still reading, you might understand what scale means and how you can change the sound of your bass. And that is even without buying other kinds of strings. My second bass is exactly two frets shorter. That does not mean less frets, it really is a bit shorter. Those are called normal. And then you got these short scale bases, you see it in this video, these are bass guitars, only a whole lot smaller.

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Opening jam sounds ruddy fantastic on headphones!

[@RobertFisher1969]

For me, short scale basses are all upsides & no cons. When compared against a similar “regular” scale, I’ve always found I like the sound of the short scale better. Plus the closer fret spacing makes them easier to play for me. Slinkiness, of course, depends entirely on what strings you choose; so you can get what you want in that department. For me, “short” is really regular, and “regular” is long.

[@kelalamusic9258]

What an awesome video. Both of you are so great together. So much energy. I not long ago started playing bass from many years of playing guitar. Due to a thumb injury, playing chords on the guitar became a painful experience, so I decided to transition over to a bass. I'm enjoying it so much that I only wish I had started on the bass earlier. The short scale is perfect for those who play guitar, and especially for me that has short fingers, so I don't have to stretch them as far as I would have to on a long scale. After watching this, I have my eye on that Sire U5. That's a real stunner. Much thanks.

[@CamF72790]

Cici, those chords sound a lot clearer on that short scale bass than on a regular 34 inch bass. Oh, I've got to get me a short scale bass. God I love chords/triad shapes on bass. The dark, ominous tones you can get are very unique and a great way to make the bass more than what it's traditionally used for. That'd be a pro for me as a bassist switching from guitar. Just chord voicing and being able to create

[@mikebythesea45]

The last minute of playing was glorious to my ears.

[@bassnsax]

The shorter scale length gives produces more fundamentals (or decreases the amount of harmonics). Short scales are fantastic! had always stayed away from short scale basses, because I'm 6'3" (1.905 meters) because I thought I'd look silly with a short scale bass...Turns out I don't need a bass to achieve a silly look! 🤪 I recently bought my first short scale in the last year or so, which is an Ibanez TMB35 - despite being a budget instrument, it sounds and feels AMAZING! IIt's well worth it to buy one of these, without having to invest or sink a bunch of money into a short scale if you're not sure that it's for you. The Sting Ray Short Scales are also fantastic basses - I loved the sound of it so much that I'm considering wiring my Sterling Ray 35HH to be passive...

[@bobt5778]

Well said, I'm 6 ft 1in 205 lbs and felt the same way about shorties. With the onset of arthritis in my hands however they've suddenly become very appealing and I now own two. They're easy on the shoulders as well with their lighter weight.

[@r.l.rachel740]

Thx for the short scale bass intro. However, we never got to hear the sonic tones of the three short scale basses sitting on their stands behind each of you. Thx again Andertons team.

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Let’s see the comparison.. Never played a bass so have no biases. On that short scale may be the ticket for me as a first shot at the bass.. 👍🇦🇺

[@kcrknp]

I play both guitar and bass and I’ve been gassing for both a short scale bass and a baritone guitar. Thanks for the push.

[@itsmeoli3705]

If you’re that gassy, maybe cut down on the beans.

[@bryantwalley]

Check out an SRC6 - Kinda scratches both itch at the same time. Very fun to play.

[@billclay5785]

Same here! Just got a Gretsch Junior Jet SS and I love it!!! Put flatwounds on it!!! Heavenly!!!

[@pauldncn1]

Thanks CC for mentioning arthritis !! It doesn’t identify me ( 😁😁😁) but I have to buy guitars and basses that suit my hands My daughter has an Ibanez Doug wimpish and boy that one takes some work for me to play So thanks guys .. love these bases🤞

[@Supernautiloid]

I’m starting to get arthritis and carpel tunnel in my hands. I’ve had to adjust my playing because of it. Hooray for getting old! 😆

[@pauldncn1]

@@Supernautiloid try anti inflammatory cream on your elbows ( yes I know it sounds dumb) if there pressure in the carpal tunnel and fingers it’s often from the elbows If you use the cream/gel it usually helps quite a bit Good luck 👍

[@Supernautiloid]

@@pauldncn1 Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll try that. Can’t hurt, right? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pauldncn1]

@@Supernautiloid guess we should be saying .. can’t hurt more 😁👍👍🙏

[@leonedantonio]

Awesome demo Cici & Lee! Thanks for all the good info. As a guitar player myself, I'm always looking into bass specs and info for that one day soon when I actually start playing one :)

[@jimdep6542]

One positive thing about short scale basses is that they are generally lighter and easier on your back if you're playing many sets a night on consecutive nights.......although those gigs aren't as common anymore unfortunately.

[@Claimjumper55]

My wife and I would love to see videos comparing short scale to long scale bass guitars.

[@matthewallen9290]

I play standard scale mostly but I picked up a hagstrom hb4. The tone is crazy warm. I felt silly playing it on stage but man it sounds perfect for some stuff.

[@emptyMan0]

Short scale basses are fine for me, definitely not as cramped as a les paul compared to a full scale guitar. And of course I would love to see any video with you two playing any basses.

[@johnsilver8059]

My new JMJ Mustang is just a tone monster. I’m going to keep the 60th anniversary Jazz, but all my other 34 inch scale basses will be going in October.

[@AgressiveElevatorMusic]

My favorite bass is a mustang bass. Just hits right for me.

[@edwinstovall3334]

Comparison/Contrast between several short and long scale length basses -- yes, please!

[@davyk4852]

I'm not even a bass guitarist, but stayed for Cici and her enthusiasm and warmth.

[@paulburton5150]

I own a 25” ‘Classic25’ Hofner style bass. It’s small but cool. Feels more natural for a guitar player

[@jimdep6542]

I have a left handed 1977 Mustang bass with the Antigua finish. It's a blast to play. I was told that it was a custom order and it's the only lefty Antigua Mustang that exists from that year. I've been checking the internet now and then and have never seen another. If anyone has, please let me know.

[@jsnowdendavies]

Been a bass player for years but I got a nasty bout of tendonitis in my left arm when rehearsing and playing with an energetic band with a very busy schedule. By the time it gets too bad that you need help the physio takes time to get back on track. A 30" scale Dean Evo XM allowed me to stay in the game and whilst it doesn't have that grand piano thing that a 34" scale bass does, it was fine in the band mix and I should have played one years earlier. Interesting parallel - I realised at the time that the music store where I lived was opposite a bike shop. At 5' 7" if I'd gone in the bike shop serious about buying a bike they'd have measured me up for the right sized frame and made sure I was comfy on it before I rode off from the shop on my new wheels. Over in the music shop I could have chosen anything off the wall and would have felt I had to grin and bear it if it wasn't comfortable at first. I'm not saying little folk have to play short scale, but until you get a musculoskeletal issue with an instrument you don't realise just what a work-out you are undertaking when you play it hard and often.

[@zachariahshort6546]

I’ve got arthritis AND carpal tunnel syndrome in my fretting hand and the best thing I’ve ever done is switch to playing short scales. The G&L Fullerton Deluxe Fallout and the extremely underrated Schecter Banshee are two amazing instruments!

[@sd3falco]

I've got a Fallout Tribute and it very nice as well. I usually switch between that and my Mustang.

[@ramonprestaroger404]

What a gorgeous outro. Congrats!

[@TheTwangKings]

They sound great and they are easy to play. That's good enough for me!

[@allanroff202]

Again Awesome job you two keep it up I'm always looking for the next video p.s I have both sort and long Scale bass's

[@GraNat27]

10 year ago i start playining normal size bass, then quit. Couples days ago diceded to start playing bass again and bought cheap short scale base and i love it. Its so much easy to play even not playining for 10 tears. Easy to carry, its lite, put thin strings on it. Bass is great instrument

[@4evrluvbk]

As a guitarist I love these sire short scale basses

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I love my Sterling Stingray SS-4 - It honestly exceeded my expectations. Pair that with a Fender Rumble 100 and I'm all set. oNe LovE from NYC

[@Pantalooj]

That SG bass sounds incredible! I had a hankering to buy a bass a couple of years ago when my daughter started playing. I am a guitar player. Think I just got that hankering back

[@Funkybassuk]

Get it! It’s a unique and classic sound. Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser, Geezer Butler all used to play the EB-0 / EB-3 back in the day. But as demonstrated in this video, the SG bass can be used in different ways for modern sounds too. 👍🏽

[@dalefriday5496]

For warmth, low end, and playability, short-scales are the way to go. Add a set of flatwounds, and you've got an earthquake at your fingertips. I play and record with an Epiphone Eri-Viola and a 1964 Gibson EB-O. I do use a pick, which cleans the attack up. Every engineer in every studio I've recorded in has remarked that they love my tone, and that they basically run it flat straight into the board. PA system operators say the same.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

I have a strange specimen: a 32 inch (medium) scale bass! It’s an old Hondo ii professional hd-1015 bass, made by either Matsumoku or Tokai in Japan from around 1979-82. (Mine’s a 1980 year.) Very simple instrument, just a single cream-colored DiMarzio P-bass pickup, and a single volume and tone knob. The bridge is a Gibson-style 3 point design, identical to the SG bass in this video. It’s a very heavy double cutaway body, similar in shape to the 70s Gibson melody makers or the Ibanez Gio guitars like the GAX30. It is very simple looking, with a solid black finish and no pick guard, but I love it for the sound.

[@KungKors]

I’ve got arthritis too in both hands and im really strugling with my Fender P bass and my Sire Marcus Miller V5. I love playing them both but it hurts like hell sometimes. I just ordered a U5 and looking forward to see if its easier to play. Thank you for a great review

[@len8744]

How did it work out for you? Fellow arthritis sufferer here.

[@adrianrobinson12]

Just another great review from these two. You guys work sooooooo well together!

[@RockDodgem]

I for one would love to see a comparison video!

[@michaelgalietta5623]

Another vote for short scale...ill never go back...i use a Gretsch junior jet with tapewounds...very happy with it over my more expensive long scale

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Awesome video you lucky, young musicians. 😀

[@trumanskip]

Yes! Please do a scale comparison video.

[@ak47dragunov]

For whatever reason, whenever I play a short-scale, I am compelled to use a pick rather than fingers. It just feels a bit more comfortable

[@simon_plays_bass]

Yes, sure a video doing comparisons. I think you have the EHB1000s in stock (I’ve just bought one and am really enjoying it). It would have been good to show it with the eye candy, as being headless it’s different to the others.

[@charlescdt6509]

Yall need to interview the dude from Royal Blood. Hes a BEAST on shorties. I would love an autogrph from Cici, keep rockin yall!!!

[@ricardofigueiras6453]

I think that Peter Hook always played with short scale basses! Massive sound

[@iankerry8458]

I played a 1965 Hofner Violin Bass in the late 60's until it was stolen in the early 70's. All I could afford to replace it then was a Japanese Jedson Telecaster shaped bass (25.5" scale). I found it too short, and not nice to play when compared with the 30" Hofner. I later found the Hofner for sale in a music shop in Derby and the courts finally decided it was still mine, so I still have it. When the Hofner neck glued joint began to fail I purchased a Westone Thunder 1A fretless (new). It has an active circuit, and a wide tone range, and NO FRET MARKINGS! When the Westone's large rectangular case was too large to put in the boot of my car (Volvo coupe) I persuaded my wife to let me purchase a travel bass. I purchased a Ministar fretless 5-string bass (again no fret markings, which I prefer). I can play it on my knee, as a "normal" guitar or as an upright due to the selection of fittings. It is carried around in a rifle case, and I have only been stopped once in the street! I also purchased an Aria electric double bass, which is a standard 3/4 size and can be bowed. The range now goes from 30" to 42.5", and at the age of 74 I am thankful that my hearing is still more than adequate to pick out the notes I am playing amongst a group of players and position my fingers correctly on any of the scales (I am my own intonation while playing!). I also have acoustic and electric standard guitars (Japanese Terada from 1976 - modeled on the Gibson Dove but with a 25.5" scale), an Epiphone SG with a fixed neck, at 24.75" scale, and a Washburn 12 string. I also recently purchased a Harley Benton Baritone guitar (27" scale) as a bridge between the bass and standard guitars. Finally I had a 12 string touchstyle guitar custom built by Krappy Guitars (New Jersey). Now that I have finally retired I can begin to master that plus the bassoon and tenor sax that I purchased recently.

[@JonesHess]

I feel like tonally, short scales a more round and "loose" as supposed to a more focused and tight sound on longer scales. Especially lower frequencies.

[@terrybanks5063]

yea man thats because theres less tension on the strings so more "flub"..

[@jasonbates2687]

I love CiCi/ Queenie , very talented!

[@HamidShibataBennett]

The lads in the band asked me to play bass on a few tunes (in addition to guitar and keyboard). I’d never quite resonated with the feel of a full size bass, but I picked up an Ibanez Talman short-scale and really quite enjoy it. I also tried a Gretsch and a Fender short scale but the Ibanez felt right to me.

[@FromTheMosh]

Long and short scale bass blindfold tests would be amazing please.

[@Groovegandalf]

I love my Ampeg Dan Armstrong. 30.5" scale, 24 frets, and it's clear. Only draw back is it's heavy as hell.

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Cici and Lee going short but big on tone. Jeff in LA USA

[@BrianWadsworth]

I would love to a comparison of Short vs Long!